Below are your weekly updates and reminders from the Georgia Department of Education. Here are your links to the District Deadlines and To-Dos Dashboard and the Digest Archive.
Reminder: Support as Wildfires Impact Communities
We are closely monitoring the wildfires impacting communities across South Georgia and the disruptions they are causing for your schools, staff, and families. During times like this, our focus is on supporting you in maintaining safety, continuity, and stability for your students.
An email was sent yesterday to superintendents and principals with detailed information on resources and points of contact to support your local response and recovery efforts. A copy of this email has been updated to the Digest Archive and is linked below.
- Additional Information: Full Resource Email
Reminder: John Hancock Student Signature Award
It’s not too late to focus on cursive writing! Applications for the John Hancock Student Signature Award, a special recognition for Georgia public schools demonstrating excellence in cursive writing, are open through June 1, 2026. Recognized schools will be announced and awarded at the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year. Submission details are available at the link below. Let’s celebrate Georgia’s students as they
master this timeless skill, one signature at a time!
- Additional Information: John Hancock Award Webpage
- Contact: Kimberly Wetzel, kimberly.wetzel@doe.k12.ga.us
- Deadline: June 1, 2026
Model Attendance Protocol Released
The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) released the Model Student Attendance Protocol, a document intended to provide background information and components of a district attendance protocol. It is intended as a practical, adaptable resource that local communities can tailor to their unique context while remaining aligned with state requirements. Each part of the document is grounded in a prevention-focused approach that emphasizes early identification, coordinated problem solving, and supportive responses to absenteeism, while reserving legal enforcement as a last resort.
- Additional Information: Model Attendance Protocol
- Contact: Tabathia Baldy, tabathia.baldy@doe.k12.ga.us